10 Companion Plants To Grow With Corn
Corn grows better when planted with the right companion plants. Some plants help corn by deterring pests, adding nutrients to the soil, or saving space in your garden. Good companion plants for corn include beans, squash, cucumbers, sunflowers, dill, peas, pumpkins, nasturtiums, lettuce, and marigolds.
Corn is a tall, heavy-feeding plant that can use help from its neighbors. Companion planting is an old gardening method. It means growing different crops together so they can help each other thrive. With corn, the right companions can improve growth, reduce pests, and even boost your harvest.
Let’s look at ten of the best companion plants you can grow alongside corn.
1. Beans
Beans and corn are a classic team. Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, providing a natural fertilizer that corn loves. In return, corn offers sturdy stalks for beans to climb. Pole beans work especially well, wrapping around the tall corn plants. Together, they make the famous “Three Sisters” garden when grown with squash.
2. Squash
Squash completes the “Three Sisters” trio. Its large leaves spread out across the ground, shading the soil and keeping it moist. This natural mulch helps prevent weeds and slows water loss. Squash vines also deter some pests from attacking corn. Both summer and winter squash varieties are suitable.
3. Cucumbers
Cucumbers and corn can grow together in harmony. Cucumbers also spread across the soil, blocking weeds and keeping the ground cool. The corn provides a little shade, which helps cucumbers in hot weather. Their root systems do not compete much, so both plants can thrive.
4. Sunflowers
Sunflowers and corn look beautiful together, but there’s more to this partnership. Sunflowers attract pollinators, which can help corn tassels release more pollen and set better ears. Sunflowers can also serve as a windbreak, protecting young corn plants from strong gusts.
5. Dill
Dill is an herb that brings in beneficial insects. It attracts ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, all of which feed on pests that attack corn, such as aphids and earworms. Dill is easy to tuck between corn rows, and it won’t compete much for resources.
6. Peas
Like beans, peas fix nitrogen in the soil. Early spring peas can be planted before corn. When they finish producing, corn seedlings are ready to take over the space. This keeps your garden productive throughout the season and boosts soil fertility for your corn.
7. Pumpkins
Pumpkins are related to squash and work in a similar way. Their sprawling vines cover the ground, hold in moisture, and prevent weed growth. Pumpkins need plenty of space but thrive in a corn patch. Just be sure to give them enough room to spread.
8. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are flowering plants that repel pests, especially aphids and squash bugs. Their bright blooms also draw in pollinators. Nasturtiums can be grown along the edges of your corn patch to form a protective barrier.
9. Lettuce
Lettuce is a fast-growing, shallow-rooted crop. It can be planted between corn rows early in the season. Corn provides light shade as it grows taller, which helps keep lettuce cool and prevents bolting (going to seed too soon).
10. Marigolds
Marigolds are famous for keeping pests away. They release a scent that repels nematodes, aphids, and beetles. Marigolds also attract helpful insects like ladybugs and hoverflies. Plant marigolds around the edge of your corn patch for a colorful, natural pest-control system.
Tips for Successful Companion Planting with Corn
- Space your corn plants properly to avoid overcrowding.
- Water the garden regularly, as corn and its companions can be thirsty.
- Rotate your crops each year to keep the soil healthy.
- Watch for signs of pests or disease, even when using companion plants.
Plants to Avoid Planting with Corn
Some plants do not mix well with corn. For example, tomatoes and corn can attract the same pests, such as the corn earworm. Fennel can stunt the growth of corn and many other crops. Avoid planting these together.
Takeaway
Companion planting is a simple way to make your corn grow better and reduce garden problems. By choosing the right partners, you create a healthier, more productive garden. Beans, squash, cucumbers, sunflowers, dill, peas, pumpkins, nasturtiums, lettuce, and marigolds are all strong choices to plant with corn.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the “Three Sisters” method?
The “Three Sisters” is a traditional Native American planting system where corn, beans, and squash are grown together. Each plant helps the others grow.
2. Why do beans help corn grow?
Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, providing extra nutrients that help corn develop strong stalks and full ears.
3. Can I plant tomatoes with corn?
It’s not recommended. Both tomatoes and corn attract similar pests, which can spread between the plants.
4. How close should I plant companion crops to corn?
Plant companions close enough so they can help each other, but not so close that they crowd each other out. Leave space for air circulation and growth.
5. Do companion plants replace the need for fertilizer or pest control?
Companion plants help, but they do not replace the need for good garden care. You may still need to fertilize and monitor for pests.
If you want a successful corn crop, try adding these companion plants to your garden this year. They can support your corn, attract beneficial insects, and help keep your soil healthy.
